ost tribes, and
can count on early intelligence. We can't match their telepathy; but
the new type of field telegraph is not so bad, and may be a trifle more
reliable.'

Till midnight we pored over maps, and certain details were burned in on
my memory. Then we went to bed and slept soundly, even Mr Wardlaw. It
was strange how fear had gone from the establishment, now that we knew
the worst and had a fighting man by our side.

[1] Hemp.

[2] Council.

[3] Lesser chiefs.

CHAPTER VIII

I FALL IN AGAIN WITH THE REVEREND JOHN LAPUTA

Once, as a boy, I had earnestly desired to go into the army, and had
hopes of rising to be a great general. Now that I know myself better,
I do not think I would have been much good at a general's work. I
would have shirked the loneliness of it, the isolation of
responsibility. But I think I would have done well in a subaltern
command, for I had a great notion of carrying out orders, and a certain
zest in the mere act of obedience. Three days before I had been as
nervous as a kitten because I was alone and it was 'up to me,' as
Americans say, to decide on the next step. But now that I was only one
wheel in a great machine of defence my nervousness seemed to have fled.
I was well aware that the mission I was bound on was full of risk; but,
to my surprise, I felt no fear. Indeed, I had much the same feeling as
a boy on a Saturday's holiday who has planned a big expedition. One
thing only I regretted--that Tam Dyke was not with me to see the fun.
The thought of that faithful soul, now beating somewhere on the seas,
made me long for his comradeship. As I shaved, I remember wondering if
I would ever shave again, and the thought gave me no tremors. For once
in my sober life I was strung up to the gambler's pitch of adventure.

My job was to go to Umvelos' as if on my ordinary business, and if
possible find out something of the evening's plan of march. The
question was how to send back a message to Arcoll, assuming I had any
difficulty in getting away. At first this puzzled us both, and then I
thought of Colin. I had trained the dog to go home at my bidding, for
often when I used to go hunting I would have occasion to visit a kraal
where he would have been a nuisance. Accordingly, I resolved to take
Colin with me, and, if I got into trouble, to send word by him.

I asked about Laputa's knowledge of our preparations. Arcoll was
inclined to think that he suspected little.